In a worst-case scenario, Markus Howell would never leave the field once tomorrow.

The Calgary Stampeders return specialist has worked out in several roles this week and will carry many job titles heading into tomorrow's West semifinal against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Howell, who is normally a receiver, spent time this week playing cornerback because roster juggling means import DB Kevin Garrett will be out of the lineup.

Defending is nothing new to Howell, who played secondary for the Blue Bombers in 2004. So, if there is an injury in the receiving corps and to a defensive back, Howell could end up playing both sides, plus handling returns.

"I may be on the field no matter what," said the veteran Canadian. "To do that and get a win would be a lot of fun.

"But you want to be a master of something. I really would like to be out there running routes and catching balls, but the next best thing is covering."

Being a veteran receiver gives him a nice starting point when lining up at cornerback, and things went well in practice for him because he knew the plays Henry Burris was calling out.

"You can recognize a lot of things, a lot of schemes," Howell said. "You can see guys coming off the ball at certain speeds, with different angles.

"I can recognize things quicker. I can tell if a guy is baiting you and not really into his route. All that sort of stuff helps."